Sea levels around the world are rising as a result of human-caused global warming.
Overall, global sea levels have risen about 10 centimeters from 1993 to 2023, as seen in this animation.
However, sea levels are also rising at an accelerating rate. Right now, global sea level rises about 0.17 inches (0.42 centimeters) per year. For comparison, the 1993 rate was 0.07 inches (0.13 centimeters) per year.
“Current rates of acceleration mean that we are on track to add another 20 centimeters of global mean sea level by 2050, doubling the amount of change in the next three decades compared to the previous 100 years and increasing the frequency and impacts of floods across the world.” – Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director for the NASA sea level change team.
Video Description:
Animation of blue ocean water level rising from 1993 to 2023. A vertical line shows change in sea level in increments of 10 centimeters and 5 inches. The animation starts in 1993 and, as it continues, the water sloshes up and down but continues an overall rising trend until the animation ends in 2023. By the end, the water level has risen just over 10 centimeters from where it started.
#Earth #Science #Climate #Ocean #SeaLevelRise #NASA #Data #DataVisualization #Sea #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #WorldOceansDay #NationalOceanMonth
The decarbonisation of construction is moving rapidly from policy to implementation. On Teesside, a major operation and maintenance award for the UK’s first commercial‑scale carbon capture project signals a shift from pilot schemes to large‑scale delivery. The East Coast Cluster development could significantly reduce embodied carbon in materials central to sustainable construction. It aligns with growing demand for low embodied carbon materials and whole life carbon assessment in both new projects and retrofit schemes.
Advances in low carbon design are reshaping plant and logistics. JCB’s introduction of excavators operating on 100% biodiesel offers an immediate pathway to cut the carbon footprint of construction equipment, complementing the move towards carbon neutral construction. Tevva’s hydrogen‑electric truck extends zero‑emission transport options in daily site logistics, supporting the transition to energy‑efficient buildings and greener supply chains that improve lifecycle assessment outcomes and life cycle cost efficiency.
The workforce and regulation are evolving to sustain environmental sustainability in construction. New government funding to address building‑safety competence could accelerate sustainable building design, digital quality assurance, and modern methods using eco‑friendly construction processes. Regulatory tightening on waste management reinforces the importance of circular economy in construction, verified waste routes and end‑of‑life reuse in construction to minimise the environmental impact of construction operations.
Boards across the sector are being urged to embed sustainable building practices and apply life cycle thinking in construction procurement. By locking in low carbon construction materials from carbon capture hubs, piloting renewable fuels and hydrogen drivetrains, and aligning projects with standards such as BREEAM and future BREEAM v7 frameworks, companies can position for net zero whole life carbon performance. The current momentum places the industry closer to achieving true decarbonising of the built environment, where green construction, sustainable material specification, and eco‑design for buildings underpin every decision from design to demolition.
Whole Life Carbon is a platform for the entire construction industry—both in the UK and internationally. We track the latest publications, debates, and events related to whole life guidance and sustainability. If you have any enquiries or opinions to share, please do
get in touch.
Let's chat!
WLC Assistant
Ask me about sustainability
Hi! I'm your Whole Life Carbon assistant. I can help you learn about sustainability, carbon assessment, and navigate our resources. How can I help you today?